MANILA — The Creamline Cool Smashers displayed championship poise after recovering from a first-set stumble to defeat the Nxled Chameleons, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday night at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan.
The victory not only boosted Creamline’s semifinal hopes but also pushed Nxled to the brink of elimination with its sixth straight loss.
American import Courtney Schwann led the Cool Smashers’ comeback with a triple-double performance — 14 points (13 from attacks), 15 excellent receptions, and 14 digs — as the defending champions shrugged off their early jitters.
“We just had to find our rhythm again after the first set,” said Schwann, whose steady all-around play steadied Creamline’s offense and defense.
Veteran Michele Gumabao-Panlilio added 13 points on nine attacks, while Jeanette Panaga finished with 12 markers. Setter Kyle Negrito dished out 18 excellent sets and contributed three points, and Kyla Atienza anchored the floor defense with 13 digs.
After a shaky start, Creamline’s balanced attack took over as the team dictated the pace in the succeeding frames, wrapping up the match in one hour and 42 minutes to improve to 4-2 — solidifying its hold of second place in Pool D.
For Nxled, Paola Martinez carried the load with 18 points built on 16 attacks, while Chiara Permentilla had 14 markers. The Chameleons, still winless at 0-6, now face a must-win scenario in their remaining outings.
In the other game, the Cignal Super Spikers opened their Pool D campaign on a high note, overcoming a second-set slip to defeat the Akari Power Chargers, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20.
Import Katrin Trebichavska led the way for Cignal with 25 points, including 22 attacks, while Erika Santos tallied 19 and Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip added 11.
Akari’s Annie Mitchem scored 22 points and Mereophe Sharma contributed 13 in a losing effort as the Chargers fell to 3-3 — tying the Super Spikers in the standings./PN
